A recent ransomware cyberattack has hit at least 150 countries and infected 200,000 machines. Though the IT community has this attack mostly contained, it represents a very real threat for many people and is likely to mark the inception of a round of similar attacks.
The New Jersey State Bar Association has a few tips to help you protect your business, personal and client information.
What is a ransomware attack?
Ransomware, like the recent WannaCry and WannaCrypt attacks, stops you from using your computer by holding your PC or files for "ransom." Typically there is a request for money or other action, before you can use your computer again. However, there is no guarantee that paying ransom or doing what the ransomware tells you will actually resolve the issue.
How do you protect yourself?
At the moment, there is no known fix if your system is attacked by WannaCry or WannaCrypt. It is advisable to run Windows Update as soon as possible to ensure the latest Microsoft patches are installed. The current attack is of particular concern to those people using older versions of Microsoft operating systems like Windows XP. While Apple computers are not directly at risk, it is likely they will targeted in future attacks, and should also be updated.
Finally, it is of critical importance that all computer users have a secure cloud backup system to protect files.
Top safety tips:
When it comes to cybersecurity, you may have the latest systems in place to prevent viruses, worms and more from ever entering your computer or network, but the first line of defense will always be your common sense. Here are two key things to keep in mind.
1. Don’t click on a link on a webpage, in an email, or in a chat message unless you absolutely trust the page or sender.
2. Often fake emails and webpages have bad spelling, or just look unusual. Look out for strange spellings of company names or unusual spaces, symbols, or punctuation.